-Strength for Today- "Today You Shall Be with Me in Paradice." - Luke 23: 40-43.
Before we get into the story, it's important to realize that Jesus' crucifixion with other criminals was no accident of history. It’s a fulfillment of prophecy – Isaiah 53: 9,12. Therefore, hanging on the crosses at Jesus’ right and left are two criminals. But let’s face it, the whole human race was born “criminalized” with the “wretchedness” of Adam’s disobedience, which is “sin.”
So, just as these thieves were being “crucified” on a cross, doesn’t minimize Jesus’ heavenly cause for “redemption.” “For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which is lost,” (Luke 19:10), whether they’re “living in a mansion,” or is being “crucified on a cross.”
The sole reason this is happening isn’t because of the thief's wickedness, but that the scriptures might be fulfilled –Isaiah 53: 3, Psalm 22:6-7,16-18. And just below Jesus' feet the soldiers “divided His clothing among themselves, and “threw dice,” for them”.
One of the criminals is “blaspheming Jesus.” The other criminal rebuked him saying, “Don't you fear God,” he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'" -Luke 23:40-41. Even though He was condemned to death, he held onto his measure of faith.
Even today, to stand by and participate in such an “unrighteous act” as to execute an innocent man is a “disrespectful,” or “impious,” sinful act. And for that cause, the second thief refuses to desert his sense of “right,” and “wrong.” "And he said unto Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'" - Luke 23:42.
By any measure, this statement is astounding, because Jesus’ disciples have fled, except one, which left John and Mary, standing in the “shadow of the cross.” But here on the cross:
- A condemned man, whose
- Life is ebbing out of him,
- Looks to the center cross, and sees
- Not another dying man, but
- The “Messiah Himself!”
Somehow, he understands that Jesus isn’t “an impostor.” The key here is faith. The thief on the cross “believes,” and his plea to Jesus is “bursting with faith.” He had more faith that day than any other human observing this gruesome scene.
The thief on the cross gives us an illustration of “saving faith,” which is instructive to us as we seek to understand the “mystery of our salvation.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” - Ephesians 2:8-9.
Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD